Hundreds of seniors turned out to the Police Officer’s Club for the launch of a unique new health plan designed by CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited and underwritten by Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited. The plan is being offered to members of the CCRP (Caribbean Community of Retired Persons), a non-governmental seniors-advocacy organisation. 

The large turnout was not surprising as two years ago, CGM Gallagher designed a similar plan for the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP). BARP currently has over 5,000 subscribers to that plan. A great attraction was the no age-limit feature for the first 14 weeks of enrollment. 

In her welcome CCRP Executive Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin noted: “We thank CGM Gallagher for their innovative and compassionate approach to the business of insurance, first delivering this great plan to Barbados and now designing it for Jamaica. We are grateful to Sagicor for underwriting this ground-breaking plan.” Discussions with Guardian Life are currently taking place as they will also be supporting this plan. 

Former Governor General The Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth Hall delivered the keynote address. Sir Kenneth spoke about his journey with the CCRP since its inception nine years ago and praised Sagicor Life Insurance Company, noting that this is a first for Jamaica. 

Sir Kenneth’s inspiring address was teeming with nationalism, conviction and passion for the lives of our ageing population. “I believe that this initiative points to a renewed respect of our seniors and elders. In the 

wake of our 57th-anniversary celebration of Jamaica’s independence, we are acknowledging, once again, the invaluable contribution that these fellow citizens have made in building this nation,” said Sir Kenneth. 

State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security the Hon. Zavia Mayne brought greetings on behalf of Minister Shahine Robinson. In his address, the State Minister shared statistics from STATIN (the Statistical Institute of Jamaica) which highlight the fact that since 2018, 11% of the Jamaican population is 50 years or older. As a result of increasing life expectancy, the State Minister noted: “It becomes very critical that we ensure that our population of retirees are able to afford health care... The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is in full support of the work of the CCRP as it continues to bridge the nexus between retirement and health.” 

The packed meeting room also heard from Executive Vice President Employee Benefits Division, Sagicor Life Mr Willard Brown and Chairman of CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Jamaica) Ltd Mr James Pawson. 

Mr John Rocheford, Regional Head of Group Employee Benefits and Chairman of CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Barbados) Ltd along with a number of his colleagues, facilitated a discussion. The CGM Gallagher team not only went into great detail about the aspects of the new comprehensive health plan but also fielded questions from the eager audience. 

After the formalities, members of the CCRP and CGM Gallagher teams were on hand to enroll persons in the plan. Most of the attendees signed up including those with pre-existing conditions as the introductory period waives evidence of insurability. The only persons excluded are those in hospital or a nursing home. Monthly premiums range from J$6,399.35 to J$8,017.53, depending on age. 

Open enrollment will be launched in the CCRP regional chapters from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm as follows: 

• Central Jamaica – Tuesday, August 20 at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, Mandeville Parish Church, Market Street 
• Northeast Jamaica – Thursday, August 22 at the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce, Pineapple Place, Ocho Rios 
• Western Jamaica – Saturday, August 24 at Unity of Montego Bay Church Hall, 12 Dome Street 

For those unable to attend the open enrollment events, it will continue until November 30 at CGM Gallagher’s offices.